Does 2016's 'The Jungle Book' Do Your Childhood Movie Justice?

Let's be real here. This is the question everyone will have on their minds going into this film — although, for the sake of audiences everywhere, this article will be SPOILER FREE.

It's Mature

The Jungle Book (1967)

The Jungle Book (2016)

This film is a remake, but it's more inspired by the original stories rather than a carbon copy. There are more than a few tweaks to the original plot, offering up aspects that all ages can enjoy. True to my word I will not spoil anything — however, I will say that this film is definitely darker than the original. It mimics real life, and realistic things happen in the film that would not necessarily have made the cut in the 1967 version. It's much more of an action-packed adventure this time around, along with an enticing coming-of-age story for Mowgli that we didn't get to see before.

It's Substantial

Mowgli and Kaa — "The Jungle Book" (1967)

Mowgli and Kaa — "The Jungle Book" (2016)

The original Jungle Book is short, as older Disney movies tended to be. But the new film goes in-depth, providing more insight into the characters' personality traits.

Also, this film contains some of the most emotive voice acting I've ever heard. The star-studded cast provides a wealth of hauntingly captivating voices, which when paired with the high-quality CGI, only enhances the audience suspension of disbelief.

You also see more of the jungle than ever before! Which leads to my next point...

It's Gorgeous

Mowgli and Bagheera — "The Jungle Book" (1967)

Mowgli and Bagheera — "The Jungle Book" (2016)

This film is beautifully animated. If you're seeing it, do yourself a favor and see it in IMAX. There'll be times where you just find your eyes feasting on every beautiful ounce of scenery and the minute details in the animals — the burn marks on Shere Khan's face, the coil of Kaa's tail, the way Bagheera's eyes flutter open after a restful asleep. The level of detail is impressive and it'll keep you captivated, whether there's a moment of stillness or burst of action.

The Verdict: Nostalgia Or Nope-stalgia?

"The Bare Necessities" — "The Jungle Book" (1967)

"The Bare Necessities" — "The Jungle Book" (2016)

Yes. (Did you expect more of a buildup?) The film does your childhood memories justice, given the fact that it is NOT The Jungle Book of your childhood. It's been entirely revamped for the next generation. (OK, SLIGHT SPOILER: Not all of the animals talk this time around.) It's got aspects every age group can enjoy, but at the end of the day the plot is still fundamentally that of a family film.

The Jungle Book stays true enough to the original movie for older audiences to enjoy, but is done in a new way that will create fond memories for your children. And if Christopher Walken's rendition of "I Wanna Be Like You" isn't enough to get you out to the cinema, then what is? Seriously.